Operation Tiger Strikes: Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Defect to Rival Camp in Delhi

Maharashtra's political landscape has been plunged into fresh turmoil as six Lok Sabha Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (UBT) faction have reportedly defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This significant political maneuver, dubbed 'Operation Tiger,' marks the second major split for the Shiv Sena in just four years, severely challenging Uddhav Thackeray's leadership and the stability of the opposition's INDIA bloc.

The defection materialized following the six MPs' conspicuous absence from a crucial Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, June 18, 2026, despite a strict party whip. The absent MPs are Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. Their move, allegedly facilitated by flights to the national capital in private jets, is seen as a strategic step to formally align with the Eknath Shinde faction.

In the wake of this rebellion, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray made an emotional and defiant address on the party's 60th Foundation Day. He offered to resign from his post if his party workers believed the allegations against him were true and if they no longer had faith in his leadership. Thackeray emphasized his commitment to the party's ideology, stating he would not allow the Shiv Sena to fall into the hands of 'thieves' or 'traitors.' He also used the platform to apologize to the voters for the defection of elected representatives who had campaigned on the Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket. Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of undermining democracy through political poaching and attempting to dismantle the Shiv Sena, a party that once helped the BJP establish itself in Maharashtra.

Conversely, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, speaking at a separate Foundation Day event, hinted strongly at further defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp. In a provocative statement, Shinde declared, 'This is just a trailer, and the movie is yet to come,' indicating more political shifts are on the horizon. Shinde also challenged Uddhav Thackeray's claim to the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, asserting that succession is determined by ideology and loyalty to the party's principles, not by blood relations.

The legal ramifications of these defections are significant. The six rebel MPs constitute exactly two-thirds of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Lok Sabha strength (6 out of 9), a critical number under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law. This provision allows a group of legislators amounting to two-thirds or more of a legislative party to merge with another party without facing disqualification. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the six absentees, issuing show-cause notices and giving them seven days to respond.

Loyalist MPs, including Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje, who attended the parliamentary meeting, along with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, have taken preemptive measures. They met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to entertain any claims of a separate group or merger without first hearing the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s official stance. Sanjay Raut has openly accused the Shinde faction and the BJP of 'horse-trading,' alleging that the defecting MPs were offered substantial financial inducements, reportedly up to ₹50 crore each, with an advance of ₹15 crore.

This latest development deepens the ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra and could significantly impact the balance of power within the state and the opposition alliance at the national level. The 'Operation Tiger' not only weakens Shiv Sena (UBT)'s presence in Parliament but also intensifies the battle for political legitimacy and the control of Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy between the two warring Shiv Sena factions.